LAFAYETTE, Ind. (Nov. 14, 2013)—November is National Adoption Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the adoption of children and youth from foster care. Tippecanoe County has designated Wednesday, Nov. 20 ‘adoption day’ and the Tippecanoe County Department of Child Services (DCS), the Tippecanoe Circuit Court, Children’s Bureau and Tippecanoe County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), are collaborating to celebrate the dreams of several foster children coming true.

“On behalf of DCS, I would like to thank the Tippecanoe County Courts and specifically Judge Faith Graham, Judge Don Daniel and Magistrate Sean Persin for the opportunity to have an event that brings families together permanently and highlights such an important issue,” said Angela Guimond, director of the Tippecanoe County DCS office. “While adoption is not the typical result for most of the children involved with Tippecanoe County DCS, National Adoption Day illustrates that there is a need for compassionate and dedicated people to open up their hearts and homes for children in our community.”

Tippecanoe County Magistrate Sean Persin will preside over an estimated 10-15 foster care adoptions slated to be finalized on Nov. 20. Adoption ceremonies will begin at 9 am on the third floor of the Tippecanoe County Courthouse.

“I am delighted that our county is implementing its first National Adoption Day event this year.The Circuit Court Judge and Magistrate have willingly collaborated with our local DCS and CASA offices to make this event possible,” said Judge Faith Graham. “I am thankful for all the planning efforts put forth to make this an exciting day for everyone. The memories recorded of the families created this day can now be shared for a lifetime. I hope this day will encourage interest in foster parenting and adoptions for other children involved in the juvenile system and plan to make this an annual event.”

The new adoptive families will enjoy a light breakfast during the ceremonies, compliments of the Children’s Bureau and CASA. For anyone interested in learning more about foster care adoptions, an adoption champion from the Children’s Bureau will also be available from noon to 1 pm.

Children who stay in child welfare systems for long periods of time, or leave state care without a permanent family, can have difficulty adjusting to adulthood. Many end up homeless, incarcerated or with unplanned babies.

While special attention is given to adoptions each year during November, DCS and its partners work year-round to find permanent homes for kids. To help build awareness about adoptable foster children continuously throughout the year, DCS developed a compelling portraits display of children in need of adoptive families. The exhibit, called the Indiana Heart Gallery, travels to over 50 venues around the state each year. Ten Heart Gallery portraits will be displayed during the Nov. 20 event at the courthouse.

In addition, an online picture book with photos and short bios of adoptable kids is available (see http://www.in.gov/dcs/2737.htm). To provide support for parents that adopt a foster child, DCS and its partners offer post-adoptive services including referrals, therapy, crisis intervention, support groups and mentoring.

To be eligible to adopt a child from the foster care system, you do not have to be rich, own your own house or even be married. You only need space in your heart to provide love for a child. Though waiting kids come from a variety of backgrounds— some are part of a sibling group, many are older children or adolescents and some have physical or mental disabilities—DCS and its partners are committed to proving there is no such thing as an un-adoptable child.

Top 5 Reasons to Consider Adopting a Foster Child:

#5 – Patience and a sense of humor are two of your greatest strengths.

#4 – You have a heart that is bigger than your home.

#3 – You know how important it is to be part of a family.

#2 – You believe every kid counts.

And the #1 reason to consider adopting a foster child: Today there are nearly 100 foster children in Indiana waiting for permanent homes.

For more information about adopting a foster child, call 1-888-25ADOPT.

The Tippecanoe County Courthouse is at 301 Main Street in Lafayette.

About Indiana Department of Child Services:
DCS is committed to protecting children who are victims of abuse or neglect. The agency's primary goal is to safely keep these children at home with their families by offering appropriate support services. It also manages the child support bureau. Indiana Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 800.800.5556. www.in.gov/dcs

After HoursAlerts and NotificationAnnouncementsCelebrationsDeadlinesFairs and ExhibitionsHoosier HistoryInitiativesKids and FamiliesLectures and DiscussionsMedia AdvisoryHearingsOral ArgumentsPerformancesPublic SafetyMeetingsSeasonal EventsSeminars/WorkshopsState HolidaysPublic Service Opportunities